HMNS News March/April 2015

news MARCH / APRIL 2015 VOLUME 20, NUMBER 2 w w w. h m n s . o r g

OPENS MARCH 9

H M N S I N T H I S I S S U E • H M N S C ATA LY S T S • M I X E R S & E L I X I R S

In

w w w. h m n s . o r g / i n t e r a c t

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2 HMNS Catalysts Mixers & Elixirs 3 Science Hack Day Houston General Information 4 -5 Samurai: The Way of the Warrior 6 China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui 7 Ancient Egypt 8 Wildlife Photographer of the Year 9 Shark!

10 - 11 HMNS @ Sugar Land 12 - 13 Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 14 Burke Baker Planetarium

NEW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP HMNS CATALYSTS EVENT Cockrell Butterfly Center Thursday, April 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening escape to a tropical rainforest in the heart of Houston.

Mingle with friends and fellow young professionals in the Cockrell Butterfly Center amongst live butterflies, exotic insects, remarkable plants, and a 50-foot waterfall! Complimentary drinks, light bites and entertainment.

Please call (713) 639-4629 to join the HMNS Catalysts and to reserve your tickets. This event is free for HMNS Catalysts Members; $15 for nonCatalysts Museum members and HMNS Catalysts guests; $20 general public.

Adults ages 21 and up only.

The Dow Chemical Company is the 2014-2015 Young Professionals Partner.

15 George Observatory Wiess Energy 16 Cockrell Butterfly Center HMNS Legacy Society 17 Adult Education 18 - 19 For Teachers 20 - 21 Just For Kids 22 - 23 Events Calendar HMNS Museum Store World Trekkers Cover Photo:A mother humpback whale and her calf. © Brandon Cole

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Mixers and Elixirs Returns this Summer!

Houston, we’ve detected signs of intelligent life… at Mixers and Elixirs! Join us as the smart set parties the night away with fab fossils and awesome artifacts. Mingle and groove with other intelligent life forms at HMNS—Mixers and Elixirs is sure to be out of this world!

Save-the-dates: June 13, July 18 and August 15.

Science Hack Day Houston Hosted at HMNS April 11 - 12

Designers, developers, engineers, scientists and anyone who is excited about making things with science is welcome to attend—no experience in science or hacking is necessary, just an insatiable curiosity. Hack Day is inherently about mashing up ideas, media, industries and people to create sparks for future ideas, collaborations and inspirations to launch from. Advance registration is required, for more information visit ScienceHackDayHouston.com.

Science Hack Day Houston is organized

by Brightwork CoResearch.

GENERAL INFORMATION MAIN CAMPUS

HOURS OF OPERATION Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Number of discounted tickets by membership level: Individual, Student & Senior, 1; Dual, 2; Family level & above, 2 adults & 4 children.

PARKING

Member $5, nonmember $10, all others $20

Special Closure: HMNS is closed on Saturday, March 7 for the Museum Gala.

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS

Spring Break Hours, March 8 - 15: Daily: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

FIELD TRIPS

Easter Weekend Hours: April 3 - 4: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

April 5: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Check www.hmns.org for film schedules and special closures.

ADVANCE PURCHASES

(713) 639-4629 Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Online at www.store.hmns.org Handling fee for phone orders only.

(713) 639-4616, TTY (713) 639-4687 membership@hmns.org For all venues: (713) 639-4659 www.hmns.org/fieldtrip

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

(713) 639-4646 www.hmns.org/birthdays Party Smarty at Main Campus and Sugar Land: (281) 242-3055 Expedition Center Birthday Mission at the George Observatory.

RENTALS & SPECIAL EVENTS (713) 639-4749, www.rentthemuseum.org

GEORGE OBSERVATORY (281) 242-3055 www.hmns.org/observatory Located in Brazos Bend State Park.

Park entrance fee: $7 per person; free for ages 12 & under. S

SUGAR LAND (281) 313-2277 www.hmns.org/sugarland 13016 University Boulevard Sugar Land, Texas 77479

HOURS OF OPERATION

Thursday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Monday - Wednesday: open for field trips with advance booking.

Spring Break Hours, March 7 - 22: Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sundays: noon - 5 p.m.

RENTALS & SPECIAL EVENTS (281) 313-2277, extension 101

www.hmns.org/visit

(713) 639-4629 www.hmns.org 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

MEMBER TICKETS

H M N S S C I E N C E H A C K D AY H O U S T O N • G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N

Science Hack Day Houston is a 48-hour, allnight event that brings together inquisitive and creative minds to one place to make wonderful things. Folks from various disciplines and backgrounds bring their A-game to the same physical space for a brief but intense period of collaboration, hacking and building “cool stuff.”

By collaborating on focused tasks, small groups of makers are capable of remarkable results.

H M N S S A M U R A I : T H E WAY O F T H E WA R R I O R www.hmns.org/exhibits

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When Anglo-Italian collector Frederick Stibbert started acquiring Japanese samurai armor in the nineteenth century, his timing was perfect. In 1853, just a decade or so prior to Stibbert’s collecting endeavor, Commodore Matthew Perry famously sailed into Tokyo Bay. Displaying the firepower of his warships, he convinced the Japanese imperial authorities to lift their selfimposed isolation from the outside world. Thus ended the era of samurai involvement in Japanese governance.

The Tokugawa shogunate came to an end and Japan’s modern period began. The samurai not only suffered a political setback from being removed from Japanese politics, they also encountered economic hardship.

Ultimately many of them sold their armor as a way of alleviating their financial situation. One of the people who showed up at that opportune moment was Frederick Stibbert.

Since samurai warfare had long been a thing of the past, much of the weaponry Stibbert collected was—and still is—in pristine condition. During the Tokugawa shogunate peace had prevailed for two centuries. While samurai continued to heavily invest in armor, they never saw action. This benefits us today, as this armor was collected at a time when these items would otherwise have been discarded. If Stibbert had not preserved these pieces, many would have likely been lost in the wholesale destruction of Japanese cities during World War II. Samurai: The Way of the Warrior will be on exhibition in Houston through September 7, 2015. This exhibition is organized by Contemporanea Progetti SRL with the Museo Stibbert of Florence, Italy. Local support is provided by Kuraray.

CONTINUING STUDIES PROGRAM Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is offering a six-session course entitled Samurai: The Way of the Warrior featuring experts from different disciplines.

Co-sponsored by HMNS, this course begins March 31. Registration and complete course information is available at www.glasscock.rice.edu.

Samurai: The Way of the Warrior Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m.

Tickets $30, Members $20 DISTINGUISHED LECTURES Sponsored by The Favrot Fund and cosponsored by Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.

Tickets $18, Members $12 “Samurai: Men of War in an Age of Peace” David Howell, Ph.D., Harvard University Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m.

Samurai warriors had a unique place in the complex structure of state and society, and their interaction with other classes. In his survey of samurai history, Howell will also look at moments like a peasant’s exhortation to his descendants that they never aspire to become

“Bushidō, The Way of the Samurai” Darrell Craig, Sensei of Classical Martial Arts of Japan Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.

In order to share the true spirit of the Bushidō, the way of the samurai, Sensei Darrell Craig will describe samurai battle preparations and lead a demonstration by his students of traditional samurai techniques and weapons. Keeping in the spirit of Bushidō, the session will commence with the sound of Taiko Japanese war drums followed by Batto-Jutsu and Kendo Katat—the way of the sword.

Film Screening - Seven Samurai With Mark Kerstein, Hokushikan Chiba Dojo Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m.

One of the most thrilling movie epics of all time, Seven Samurai tells the story of a 16th century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits.

Filmmaker Akira Kurosawa weaves philosophy and entertainment, delicate human emotions and relentless action, into this tale of courage and hope. Mark Kerstein, J.D. of Hokushikan Chiba Dojo will introduce the film.

SPECIAL PROGRAM Japanese Tea Ceremony Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Tickets $49, Members $39 The Japanese tea ceremony tradition dates back nearly one thousand years when samurai lords were among the few allowed to participate. A demonstration of the ceremony will be performed by Sensei Midori Mochizuki, certified instructor of the Urasenke Tea School of Kyoto, Japan. Heather Clary will provide commentary during this silent ceremony.

Guests will receive tea and sweets following the demonstration and lecture.

CULTURAL FEAST “Samurai Fusion” Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.

Tickets $112, Members $92 The power and prestige of the samurai warriors are reflected in their cuisine—a fusion of tradition and innovation.

Literary and historical records reveal the significance and symbolism of food and drink served at their tea ceremonies, banquets, and other events. Chef Rocco Nankervis of Oceanaire and culinary historian Merrianne Timko have collaborated on this history-inspired menu with a modern twist. This event will be hosted at The Oceanaire Seafood Room in The Galleria.

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www.hmns.org/exhibits

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR

samurai and the Akō vendetta, which served for three hundred years as an iconic statement of samurai values.

H M N S S A M U R A I : T H E WAY O F T H E WA R R I O R !

SAMURAI EVENTS

H M N S C H I N A ‘ S L O S T C I V I L I Z AT I O N : T H E M Y S T E R Y O F S A N X I N G D U I www.hmns.org/exhibits

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CHINA’S LOST CIVILIZATION: THE MYSTERY OF SANXINGDUI

Exhibition opens April 10 As is the case with many archaeological discoveries, luck played a role.

A farmer digging a ditch next to his house in 1929 led to the discovery of the Sanxingdui site. Located 24 miles north of Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province, the Sanxingdui site is extensive, covering nearly 5 square miles. More than 125 artifacts from this site and from another related site will be on display at HMNS. Among these is the largest bronze human form ever excavated. With pronounced eyes, extended ears and an elongated body, it threw archaeologists for a loop when they uncovered this piece.

In 1986, archaeologists excavated two major caches containing a wide variety of materials. Among these were large bronzes, jades, gold objects, ceramics, ivory, sea shells and animal bones.

These items had been carefully placed in layers, and then set alight. As a result, the objects became charred and

ruptured. In addition to these burial pits, researchers verified the presence of residential quarters and tombs.

These have all been dated to between 4,800 and 2,800 years ago. The story became even more complicated in 2001, when another location full of artifacts was unearthed just 31 miles away at an ancient settlement called Jinsha. You will see objects from both sites in this exhibit.

Sichuan Province was called Shu in ancient China. We have very few written sources to help identify who the Shu people were. They did not leave any accounts behind—Chinese chronicles only make brief references, mostly in the form of a mixture of mythological stories and historical legends.

This special exhibition seeks answers to many questions, such as: Who were these people? How did their culture relate to the rest of China? And how did they produce these remarkable artifacts? China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui

opens on April 10 and will be on display until September 7, 2015.

This exhibition is organized by the Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, California; the Houston Museum of Natural Science; and the Cultural Relics Bureau of Sichuan Province, Peoples Republic of China. Major funding has been provided by China Southern Airlines with local support provided by Kathrine G. McGovern/ McGovern Foundation.

MEMBERS EVENT China’s Lost Civilization Friday, April 10, 6 - 10 p.m.

Children’s crafts, cash bar and refreshments. Reserve early—this event will sell out! Please call (713) 639-4629 for reservations. Admission to the China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui exhibition requires a $5 ticket purchase.

HALL OF ANCIENT EGYPT NEW ADDITIONS COMING IN MARCH !

Another new arrival is a flake of limestone with an inscription in cursive hieratic script. The inscription gives a prescription for a man suffering from stomach ache: “anoint with honey.”

The lower part of the flake has a row of animal- and human-headed gods. The sick person is also instructed pray to these specific gods to make the honey treatment work properly. This piece also shows us that Egyptian doctors’ handwriting is just as hard to decipher as that of modern doctors!

EGYPT EVENTS DISTINGUISHED LECTURE Sponsored by the Favrot Fund Tickets $18, Members $12 “Update in Egyptology with Three Preeminent Researchers” Salima Ikram, Ph.D. Joseph Wegner, Ph.D. Kara Cooney, Ph.D. Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.

In Houston for the ARCE Annual Conference, three leading Egyptologists will give updates on their different areas of specialization. This lecture is co-sponsored by the American Research Center in Egypt.

Photos courtesy Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE AND EXHIBIT TOUR “5,000 Years of Egyptian History” Tom Hardwick Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 p.m.

Accompanied by images of artifacts in the Hall of Ancient Egypt, walk through the colorful history of ancient Egypt with HMNS Egyptology curator Tom Hardwick. The new additions to the exhibition will be highlighted.

Following the presentation, the program will continue in the Hall of Ancient Egypt.

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www.hmns.org/exhibits

With the addition of a coffin dating to the end of pharaonic culture around 300 BC, the collection on display now spans nearly 2,500 years of Egyptian history. The more than one dozen coffins in the Hall of Ancient Egypt show the evolution of the craftsmanship, cultural influence on style, and the societal importance placed on the afterlife in ancient Egypt. The “new” coffin contains a careful representation of the goddess of the west—the land of the dead, on its underside. Never meant to be seen, this inscription nonetheless formed an essential part of the coffin’s mission to transport the deceased into a secure afterlife.

HMNS HALL OF ANCIENT EGYPT

One of the most striking of these new pieces is a mummified head with its face detailed with gold leaf. A solid gold mummy mask like Tutankhamun’s was an unattainable luxury for all but the pharaohs, but thin gold leaf gave the same effect for a fraction of the price.

Gilded and painted, the dead person would be able to bask in the life-giving rays of the sun for eternity.

PORTFOLIO Portfolios embody a photographer’s accomplishments, reflecting either breadth of artistic endeavor or depth in one specific area of work.

HMNS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

DOCUMENTARY

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year is co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide.

FIRST SHOOTS

On Exhibition Through May 31

EARTH’S DIVERSITY

Through the lens of wildlife photography, this special exhibition captures the intrigue and beauty of our planet, giving us a glimpse of the natural world as we have never seen it before. The rigorous selection process has brought together judges from across the globe to choose the best entries based on creativity, artistry and technical complexity.

From the familiar to the less wellknown, the widespread to the endangered, the urban to the wild, this section shines a spotlight on Earth’s diverse flora and fauna.

Photographs are entered in the following six sections to be judged by a jury. From all of the categories, two photographers are awarded the prestigious title of Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year (under age 18).

The competition and exhibition strives to raise awareness of the sustainable use of finite natural resources. The images in this section illustrate how attitudes, decisions and actions impact the natural world.

EARTH’S ENVIRONMENTS This section celebrates the power of the natural forces that sculpt the planet and the natural phenomena that grace it.

INTERPRETATIONS New digital tools can reveal life in new ways. From scanning electron microscopes to DNA analysis, technology is enabling scientists to see previously hidden detail and help conserve species for future generations.

Combining patience, intuition and creativity, these photographers, ages 11-17, are the future innovators of the competition.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is organized by the Natural History Museum, London and BBC Worldwide with local support provided by Kathrine G. McGovern/McGovern Foundation and the Harriet and Truett Latimer Endowment Fund. Wildlife Photographer of the Year is free for Museum members and with general admission.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER EVENTS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR Wildlife Photographer of the Year Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m.

Tickets $27, Members $17 HANDS-ON ADULT CLASS “Nature Photography Workshop” Thursday, April 30, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $200, Members $150

Photo: Glimpse of the underworld © Christian Vizl (Mexico)

Professional animal and nature photographer and instructor Amy Shutt will teach you the basics of your DSLR camera before venturing out to photograph the insects, animals, flowers, plants and waterfall in the Cockrell Butterfly Center. All participants will receive one-on-one instruction with their personal equipment.

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Shark attacks are exceptionally rare. You’re more likely to be killed by a coconut than a shark. While there are only about 5-10 shark attacks occur each year, anywhere from 70-100 million sharks are killed annually by humans for their fins or oil.

Bull sharks can survive in both freshwater and saltwater. This is because they’re able to regulate the substances in their blood. People have encountered bull sharks thousands of miles from the nearest body of saltwater.

Though fish are considered cold-blooded, some sharks actually have the ability to regulate their own body temperature keeping it a few degrees above that of their environment. This includes the great white, mako, and salmon sharks. These sharks are considered endothermic.

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Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world growing up to 59 feet.

Despite their enormous size, they are actually filter feeders and use their teeth to collect plankton.

Shark skeletons are made entirely of cartilage! Scientists are currently studying the medicinal properties of shark cartilage specifically as it relates to cancer research, since sharks are significantly less likely to develop cancerous tumors and have highly developed immune systems.

CONTINUING STUDIES PROGRAM Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is offering a fivesession course on sharks, the role they play in a healthy ecosystem, and the latest research that has unlocked some of the mysteries of this apex predator.

This course, co-sponsored by HMNS, begins on February 25. Registration and complete course information is available at www.glasscock.rice.edu.

Shark! is organized by the Houston Museum of Natural Science with the Texas State Aquarium and assistance from OCEARCH and the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

This touch tank experience is only $5 in addition to regular admission.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

MORE SHARK FUN

Researchers are now generating previously unattainable data on the movement, biology and health of great white sharks through the OCEARCH collaborative. Unprecedented research on great white sharks and other large apex predators will be presented by Greg Stunz of Harte Institute at Texas A&M Corpus Christi with OCEARCH founder and expedition leader Chris Fischer. Sponsored by the Favrot Fund and cosponsored by Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.

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Party Smarty is offering sharkthemed birthday party add-ons during the run of Shark! (more info page 21)

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Labs on Demand for class field trips include two shark options: shark dissection lab and fossil shark tooth lab. (more info page 19)

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For just 50¢ per person, you can add Shark! to any class field trip.

“Great White Sharks, Tracking The Ocean’s Apex Predator” Greg Stunz, Ph.D. and Chris Fischer Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $18, Members $12

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www.hmns.org/exhibits

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Thresher sharks use the upper lobe of their tail fin to catch their prey by cracking it like a whip. They can also use their tails to create bubbles to stun their prey. (You can see a thresher shark in Glassell Hall outside Shark!)

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HMNS SHARK!

SHARK FACTS

H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D

HMNS AT S U

EARTH SCIENCE HALL

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www.hmns.org/sugarland

Exhibit Update and Microscope Lab Opening in March Gain a new appreciation for the significance of our planet’s composition—from a grain of sand to a massive landform—in the newly renovated Earth Science Hall that features crystals from each continent.

Bring your own “discovery” from home for examination in our microscope bar.

CRYSTALS OF INDIA

On Exhibition Through May 10 Crystals of India features a neverbefore-seen collection of 40 of the most beautiful and perfectly formed natural mineral crystals ever found anywhere in the world. They originated from India’s Deccan Plateau, a large geologic formation that comprises most of the southern part of the country. The beds of basalt rock where these crystals formed were created by massive lava flows from enormous volcanic eruptions that occurred more than 65 million years ago.

Check www.hmns.org/sugarland for the schedule of live demonstrations on the research-grade microscopes where you can get a super close-up look at sand samples from around the world.

DIGITAL DOME

Exclusively at HMNS at Sugar Land The Accidental Astronauts Follow the adventures of Cy and Annie and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space! Explore the Earth, Sun and Moon system with a wise-cracking

starship computer. Bounce along with them on the surface of the Moon. Get up close and personal with a solar storm. And gain a new appreciation of our home planet. This film is a space adventure for all ages, especially families and children ages 3-8.

Check www.hmns.org/sugarland for show times.

U GAR L AND H M N S H M N S AT S U G A R L A N D

SPRING SPECIAL EVENTS

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Visit the Museum for a Pi Day celebration on this special date— 3.14.15—during Spring Break! Indulge your inner geek with fun activities for all ages! We’ll even have π (with an “e”) to munch on. Feed your brain and your belly! It’s a genius idea!

The Water Mobile is Coming!

March 26 - 29 Free (museum admission not included) The Water Mobile is an interactive experience focused on watersheds and the impact communities have on these systems and our ocean. Visitors can join the Clean Water Challenge Task Force and solve the mystery behind disturbances in the health of our nation’s water habitats in a 4D theater experience and other hands-on science activities. Don’t miss the National Tour

www.hmns.org/sugarland

Super Pi Day 3.14.15 Saturday, March 14 10 a.m. - noon Tickets $3, plus general admission for nonmembers

of Wyland Foundation’s Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience when it stops in in Sugar Land! The Water Mobile will be open to scheduled field trips on Thursday and Friday with public access on Saturday and Sunday during regular Museum hours.

conservation activities and learn about activities of area conservation groups.

Water Mobile Event Saturday, March 28 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Free (museum admission not included)

Travel with us on this family-friendly tour of India and explore the culture through crafts, including the traditional folk art of Rangoli, as well as native cuisine and other entertainment inspired

by India—without the baggage fees or jet lag.

Join us for tours of the Water Experience, participate in hands-on water

India Trekkers Saturday, April 25, 4 - 6 p.m.

Members $3, Nonmembers $5 plus general admission

Films and showtimes may change. Please visit www.hmns.org

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E

WORTHAM GIANT S

www.hmns.org/giantscreen

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HUMPBACK WHALES 3D Opening Spring Break!

Humpback Whales 3D is an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals. Set in the spectacular waters of Alaska, Hawaii and the remote islands of Tonga, this ocean adventure offers audiences an up-close look at how these massive marine mammals communicate, sing, feed, play and take care of their young. Captured for the first time with IMAXŽ 3D cameras, and found in every ocean on Earth, humpbacks were nearly driven to extinction 50 years ago, but today are making a slow but remarkable recovery. Join a team of researchers as they unlock the secrets of the humpback and find out why humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all whales, why they sing their haunting songs, and why these intelligent, 55-foot, 50-ton animals migrate up to 10,000 miles round-trip every year. (40 glorious minutes)

Descriptions available at www.hmns.org. Proceeds from the sale of all Wortham Giant Screen film tic

g for current schedule and more information about each film.

SCREEN THEATRE TINY GIANTS 3D (40 fun-filled minutes)

You will be awed by this suspenseful tale as these mighty minis use their ingenious superpowers to not only survive but to become masters of their universe.

PREHISTORIC PLANET: WALKING WITH DINOSAURS 3D (40 thrilling minutes)

DEEPSEA CHALLENGE 3D (40 awe-inspiring minutes)

As a boy, award-winning filmmaker James Cameron dreamed of a journey to the deepest part of the ocean.

Deepsea Challenge 3D is the dramatic fulfillment of Cameron’s dream as it chronicles his solo dive to the untouched depths of the Mariana Trench—nearly seven miles beneath the ocean’s surface—piloting a submersible he designed himself. The risks were astounding; the footage is breathtaking.

This film melds scientific discovery and human ingenuity into a groundbreaking adventure to a new frontier.

ckets help further the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s nonprofit mission. Your support counts!

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www.hmns.org/giantscreen

Journey back in time to the Cretaceous Period of Alaska 70 million years ago to meet dinosaurs, as you’ve never seen them before. Through amazing 3D CGI, experience that world and meet an incredible variety of dinosaurs.

Watch them feed, play, migrate and hunt, as if you were watching a wildlife film captured 70 million years ago.

Experience what scientists know about these Cretaceous creatures and how we can build on our discoveries and imagination to create a truly believable and life-like prehistoric world.

H M N S W O R T H A M G I A N T S C R E E N T H E AT R E

Shrink to the size of some of nature’s smallest creatures as they experience some gigantic adventures! Tiny Giants 3D follows a chipmunk in an untamed woodland and a grasshopper mouse in Arizona’s scorched desert as both are forced to grow up fast when they find themselves on their own and facing some ferocious rivals and predators.

Burke Baker Planetarium LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

H M N S B U R K E B A K E R P L A N E TA R I U M

Now Showing

What do Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Titan, Jupiter, Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto, Comet ShoemakerLevy 9, Mars, Venus, Mercury, the Sun, the Milky Way Galaxy, a field of distant galaxies, the Big Bang, the formation of new stars, elliptical galaxies, colliding galaxies, the Trifid Nebula, Eagle Nebula, Orion Nebula, Eta Carinae, a supernova, a pulsar, a planetary nebula and Earth have in common?

They’re all places we explore in the planetarium show, Life in the Universe. Do you know what all these places look like up close? If not, Life in the Universe will be a fun adventure.

Life in the Universe takes a fresh look at our fiftyyear-old quest to find companionship in galexies near and far, looking forward from the Big Bang, in search of those special places that might harbor life. It’s a beautiful scenic tour of our universe through the eyes of astronomers looking for clues about the origin of life and all the places we can look. We really leave no stone—or star—unturned!

www.hmns.org/planetarium

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A L S O S H OW I NG

GEORGEOBSERVATORY SATURDAYS AT THE GEORGE

Telescope Tickets: $7, Members $4 Discovery Dome Tickets: $3, Members $2.50

MEMBER’S NIGHT

Friday, March 27, 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Enjoy celestial delights in the spring sky, highlights will be Jupiter, Venus

SPRING BREAK EVENINGS

Tuesday, March 10, 5 - 11p.m.

Friday, March 13, 5 - 11 p.m.

All Saturdays, 5 - 11 p.m.

Bring the family for “all-star” fun during Spring Break. Jupiter and Venus will be visible, as well as many other spring celestial sights.

FAMILY SPACE DAY

Saturday, March 14 Mission Times: 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Astronauts of all ages—kids and adults—can fly to the Moon with NASA volunteers in the Expedition Center.

Astronauts are assigned jobs aboard the Space Station Observer and work

together on the mission as they solve problems and have fun. Don’t miss this special opportunity to participate in real astronaut training!

CUB SCOUT WORKSHOP Saturday, April 18, 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Cub Scouts can earn their Astronomy Belt Loop and Pins at the George.

Hands-on activities taught by a staff astronomer help the scouts enjoy completing all their requirements, including: using a telescope, make and use a star map and interview an astronomer. Scouts will get a tour of the large research telescope in addition to learning astronomy concepts in the Discovery Dome planetarium.

Advance tickets and more information are available at www.hmns.org/observatory.

H M N S G E O R G E O B S E R VAT O R Y

Continue celebrating our 25th year by stargazing every Saturday evening until 10 p.m. Gift Shop, exhibits and Discovery Dome open at 3 p.m.

Telescope tickets go on sale at 5 p.m.

Viewing begins at dusk. The George Observatory is located in Brazos Bend State Park (park entrance fee: $7, kids 12 and under free). Directions are posted at www.hmns.org/observatory.

Current observatory weather conditions can be accessed at www.weatherbug. com, zip code 77461.

and the first quarter Moon. Reserve early as this event will sell out! Call (713) 639-4629 for reservations.

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CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS “An Overview of the Energy Industry” Thursday, March 5 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. $200 per person This course is led by experts in the fields of upstream, downstream and energy economics in the 21st century, including energy alternatives. Breakfast, lunch and tour of the Wiess Energy Hall are included. To register, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

TEAM BUILDING This unique energy industry-specific teambuilding activity takes team members through the Wiess Energy Hall to expand their general knowledge

of the oil and gas industry. Small groups will be assigned different roles in the task of choosing a location to build an oil rig, and will research their group’s tasks in the exhibit. Workplace communication and decision-making skills will be practiced as each team contributes to make the best decision.

Team Building sessions are designed as half-day sessions for groups of 16 - 40. $100 per person. Contact wiessenergy@ hmns.org to schedule or inquire about smaller or larger groups.

ENERGY 101 ONLINE TRAINING This online course offers an extended look into the world of oil and gas, including hydrocarbon formation, geology, drilling, refining, products, transportation, distribution and energy

alternatives. The program is ideal for people new to the industry and those seeking a comprehensive overview about how the industry works.

A discount to attend “An Overview of the Energy Industry” at HMNS is included with the purchase of the online course. Available at www.energy101training.com.

EXHIBITION TOUR Tour the Wiess Energy Hall to explore the application of scientific concepts and advanced technology in the oil and gas industry. Learn the processes of energy development, from how oil and natural gas are formed, to the ways in which various types of energy are used. To schedule a tour contact wiessenergy@hmns.org or (713) 639-4737.

www.hmns.org/observatory

WIESS ENERGY HALL

H M N S C O C K R E L L B U T T E R F LY C E N T E R • H M N S L E G A C Y S O C I E T Y www.hmns.org/butterflycenter

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your collection, you will find a great selection from vendors both local and from as far away as Hawaii. Orchid pots, potting medium, fertilizers, and other materials will also be on sale, with plenty of experts on hand to advise you on your purchases.

SPRING PLANT SALE

7th Floor of HMNS Parking Garage Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. - noon After this long, cold, lonely winter, both butterflies and gardeners are eager to get back to the garden. Our spring plant sale focuses on the plants you need to bring butterflies to your garden throughout the coming seasons. Pick up both tried-andtrue varieties as well as new selections of food plants for caterpillars and nectar plants for butterflies. A limited amount of native milkweed (essential for monarchs) will be available. Come get a start on the butterfly season! Parking is free if you spend $30 or more. Come early—plants go fast!

NATURE’S MASTERPIECE: HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE HMNS Grand Entry Hall Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Free admission

This will be the sixth year that HMNS has hosted the fabulous show and sale put on by the Houston Orchid Society.

A two-day extravaganza of exotic

For more information about this event visit http://houstonorchidsociety. org/show.html

HANDS-ON ADULT CLASS “Planting a Butterfly Garden” Saturday, April 18, 9 - 11 a.m.

Tickets $23, Members $17 blooms, free to the public, brings you over 20 lavish exhibits featuring orchids, orchid arrangements, corsages, orchid collectibles and educational information. Orchids and exhibits will be officially judged before the show opens, so you will be able to see what the experts are looking for in a prize-winning plant or display. Photo opportunities abound!

Whether looking for your first orchid or new varieties to add to

Natural butterfly habitats are shrinking every day. You can help our native butterflies by creating new habitat right in your own yard or patio. Learn which butterflies occur in our area, which plants the adults and baby butterflies (caterpillars) need to survive, and where to get plants that lure them in.

Take home a plant and seeds to get you started. This class is followed by a tour of our greenhouses and butterfly-rearing operation. Soni Holladay, HMNS horticulturist and greenhouse manager, leads this class.

HMNS LEGACY SOCIETY The HMNS Legacy Society honors individuals who include the Museum in their estate plans.

For their visionary gifts, members of this distinguished group receive invitations to exclusive events, recognition in selected publications, and are honored at an annual luncheon.

By making bequests and other planned gifts, you can continue to help the Museum remain a vital and thriving organization to be enjoyed by many generations to come. Visit hmns.org/plannedgifts for more information.

ADULT EDUCATION To register, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

DISTINGUISHED LECTURES “Medicine without Evolution is like Engineering without Physics” Randolph M. Nesse, M.D. University of Michigan Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $18, Members $12

FILM SCREENING

This exclusive one-night-only screening of The Hadza: Last of The First is the Texas premiere, cosponsored by The Nature Conservancy.

“Richard III Rediscovered” Turi King, Ph.D. University of Leicester Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $39, Members $29*

*Tickets include a festival following the lecture featuring food, drink, dance, music inspired by the Renaissance and a special guest. This event is cosponsored

by Archaeology Institute of America, Houston Society.

The Hadza: Last of The First Monday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $18, Members $12 Look into the origins of human civilization—Africa’s Rift Valley, home of the unique but imperiled Hadza

“Quest to Save Wild Mustangs: Cowboy Tales of Managing Regulations, Horses and the Land” H. Alan Day, Cowboy and Land Conservator Thursday, April 30, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets $18, Members $12 Alan Day had the unique opportunity to establish a sanctuary in South Dakota for unadoptable wild horses previously warehoused by the Bureau of Land Management. After Day successfully lobbied Congress, those

A book signing of The Horse Lover, A Cowboy's Quest to Save the Wild Mustangs will follow lecture. His book Lazy B will also be available and will be pre-signed by his co-author and sister Justice Sandra Day O’Conner.

MUSEUM TRAVEL Travel Night - Shelling on Sanibel, Captiva and Coya Costa Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m.

Learn about this coastal adventure in Florida, October 11-15, 2015 with Tina Petway, HMNS associate curator of malacology. The group will comb the beaches of the best shelling grounds in the continental U.S. and experience the diverse marine and wildlife of this threatened ecosystem. Spots are limited, register soon.

Visit www.hmns.org/travel for itinerary and registration information.

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www.hmns.org/adults

The discovery of the remains of King Richard III under a parking lot—next to a space marked “R”—has stirred much excitement. Richard’s remains speak to us in a way that texts or artifacts do not, reaching out to give us more accurate insights into his life following years of calumny. Dr. Turi King, geneticist on the Richard III Project, will discuss its findings and how history, archaeology and genetics were woven together to learn more about Richard III.

acres became Mustang Meadows Ranch, the first government-sponsored wild horse sanctuary established in the U.S. Day will share his tales of the Herculean task of balancing the requirements of the government with the needs of the fifteen hundred wild horses and the land itself, and give an update on the sanctuary today.

H M N S A D U LT E D U C AT I O N

Evolutionary medicine uses the basic science of evolutionary biology to improve the understanding, prevention and treatment of disease. It also asks why natural selection left us with so many traits like wisdom teeth and narrow birth canal that leave us vulnerable to disease. Randolph Nesse, a founder of the field evolutionary medicine, will give examples to illustrate the different reasons for vulnerability, including natural selection, with a focus on cancer, infectious diseases and emotional disorders. This lecture is cosponsored

by The Leakey Foundation.

people. As East Africa’s last remaining community of hunter-gatherers, the Hadza have lived sustainably off the Tanzanian land for more than 50,000 years. But their way of life, which harkens back to that of our earliest ancestors, is now under attack.

FOR TEACHERS EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY WORKSHOPS Participants receive 3 hours of CPE credit and dinner. $30 per educator “Waterworks” Tuesday, March 3 5 p.m.

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

Explore surface tension and capillary action, bubbles and soap science.

(Grades K to 5)

www.hmns.org/education

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Renaissance man. Discover the range of Leonardo’s talents. Experience handson activities to use in your classroom, enjoy a catered dinner, and receive six hours of CPE credit (Grades 4 to 12)

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Bring the Museum to Your Classroom!

Aligned to grade-level TEKS objectives, pricing ranges from $100 - $625. Presentations last 30 - 45 minutes, and multiple presentations may be scheduled in a day. Extended, weekend and evening scheduling is also available. Special Science Night activity station packages are available. For more information and scheduling: www.hmns.org/outreach, outreach@hmns.org, (713) 639-4758.

Choose from these HMNS Outreach Programs:

“Botany” Tuesday, April 7 5 p.m.

Get the buzz on how some plants pull out all the stops to attract their perfect pollinator as you investigate how flower form meets function in full color.

(Grades 4 to 10) “Shape Science” Tuesday, May 5 5 p.m.

Discover the science, art and math of shapes through construction, puzzles, tessellations, reflections, rotations, translations and symmetry.

(Grades 3 to 8)

EDUCATOR LATE NIGHTS “Leonardo’s Workshop” Friday, March 27, 5 - 11 p.m. $60 per educator Inventor, artist, architect, genius— Leonardo da Vinci is the ultimate

LyondellBasell Bugs On Wheels TOTAL Wildlife On Wheels Chevron Earth Science On Wheels ConocoPhillips Science On Stage Discovery Dome Docents To Go

who demonstrates significant ability and dedication to teaching in either discipline in Harris County.

Nominations and applications for the 2015 Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards and Student Scholarships are now available at www.hmns.org/education.

The deadline for applications is April 24, 2015.

SUMMER ENERGY FIELD TRIP WEEK FOR TEACHERS

June 15 - 17, July 6 - 8, July 27 - 29 Tickets $45 per week per educator The energy industry provides many opportunities for careers in the Houston area. Tour sites that play different roles in the energy industry to gain knowledge of various careers in the energy sector such as a nuclear power plant, drilling rig and the Bureau of Economic Geology.

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS HMNS offers the Evelyn Frensley Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics through the generosity of the Cockrell Foundation. Two awards of $2,000 will go to two high school juniors in Harris County.

In recognition of the fine educators of Houston we also offer the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Award. This award of $2,000 will go to one K-5th grade science or math teacher, and one 6th-12th grade science or math teacher

Learn how you can help students connect their abilities and personal interests to promising careers that are in demand—and see TEKS concepts in action. Educators will learn about the relationships between science and energy careers in this 3-three day workshop.

Generously supported by Marathon Oil Corporation, this program is for teachers of any age or subject, as well as career awareness program staff. Lunch and transportation to/from HMNS and

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FOR ALL EDUCATORS PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.HMNS.ORG/TEACHERS OR CONTACT EDUCATIONQUESTIONS@HMNS.ORG

the sites is provided. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. most days. 24 hours of SBEC credit awarded. For more information contact ecc@hmns.org or (713) 639-4737.

DIFFERENTIATING WITH THE MUSEUM “Depth and Quality for the Gifted Learner” June 15, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30; July 2; August 10, 11, 12 $50 per educator before May 1, $60

LABS

Coming to HMNS for a field trip?

Try one of our Weekday Science Labs.

These self-contained investigations feature Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Each lab is one hour and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls.

Available at HMNS in Hermann Park and HMNS at Sugar Land. Capacity is 25 students per lab. Cost per lab is $165 - $200.

Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Crustacean Station” - What do lobsters, sea monkeys and pill bugs have in common? Immerse yourself in the world of these leggy arthropods to discover how they are all connected.

Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Mohs Hardness Scale” – The Mohs scale helps determine how useful a mineral can be. In this lab you will test various minerals and learn their uses.

MARCH LAB TOPICS Time Lab, Grades 1-8 “Spice” - Follow the spice routes as you take a flavorful journey to investigate spices and their impact on economy, health and food.

Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Space Invaders” - What happens when the animal brought in for pest control becomes the pest? Meet the invasive species that moved in and made themselves at home, whether we like it or not.

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ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Marvelous Mixtures” - Investigate properties of solutions, colloids, alloys and other mixtures.

MAY LAB TOPICS

China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui Tuesday, April 14, 4 - 7 p.m.

Wildlife Lab, Grades 1-8 “Chompin’ Chelicerates” - How can an animal with no jaws be known for its vicious, venomous bite? Hang out with chelicerates such as spiders, horseshoe crabs and others to find out!

Registration opens March 16 at www.hmns.org/educatorpreview or call (713) 639-4659. Exhibit information on page 6.

Earth Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Landforms” - In this first class in a yearly series, you will explore the basic landforms found in Texas.

LABS ON DEMAND Need help with a TEKS objective?

Want a lab experience for your field trip?

Each lab is tailored to your grade level.

Dissection Labs, Grades 5-10 “Leaping Lubbers” - From tasty morsels to plague proportions, grasshoppers have long been a part of human history. Explore insect anatomy as you look at the Lubber grasshopper (Romalea). Includes grasshopper dissection.

ConocoPhillips Techno Science Lab, Grades 1-8 “Sound Science” - Use tuning forks and tubes to investigate pitch, resonance and the science of music.

www.hmns.org/education

SHELL EDUCATORS’ PREVIEW

WEEKDAY

APRIL LAB TOPICS

HMNS FOR TEACHERS

Explore hands-on techniques that encourage teachers to reach all of their learners. With a special emphasis on differentiating for the introverted and extroverted learners, our experienced presenters will guide participants through deeper thinking activities and methods that encourage quality over quantity, even in the age of standardized testing.

Topics Available: Chemistry, Force and Motion, Electricity, Light and Optics, Magnets, Storm Science, Ancient Egypt, Cells, Earth Science, and Dissection. $200 per presentation (maximum 25 students), plus $75 travel fee for onsite presentations.

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XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP 2015 With more sensational science than ever before, a summer of adventure awaits you at HMNS! Registration is open!

Priority membership registration begins: February 19 – President’s Circle, Benefactor and Discoverer February 23 – Voyager March 2 – Family March 23 – General Public This year’s action-packed camps will include new topics Freeze Frame, Nature’s Fury, and Star Warriors

Academy II, and favorites including Junior Paleontologist, Dino Claws and Shark Jaws, Paleontology 101, Lego Robotics, Advanced Lego Robotics, Amazing Animals, Master Spy Camp, Test for the Best, Puzzler, Wizard Science Academy, Star Warriors Academy, and Extreme Machines. Sign up early, as spaces fill fast!

HMNS, Hermann Park June 1 - 5 June 8 - 12 June 22 - 26 June 29 - July 2 July 13 - 17 July 20 - 24 August 3 - 7 August 10 - 14

HMNS at Sugar Land June 8 - 12 June 15 - 19 June 29 - July 2 July 6 - 10 July 20 - 24 July 27 - 31 August 10 - 14 If you haven’t received your Xplorations catalog, please email Xplorations@ hmns.org or call the Education Department at (713) 639-4625. Please visit www.hmns.org/summercamp for more information on all of our camp offerings and online catalog.

Have Camp or Spring Break questions? email Xplorations@hmns.org

SPRING BREAK LEGO ROBOTICS @ SUGAR LAND

ARAMCO TEEN SUMMER INSTITUTE SERIES

March 9 - 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fee $240, Members $190

These high-energy and activityintensive programs for teens offer real projects and real data, using the Museum’s world-renowned exhibit halls as a classroom. Each session is Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. Registration is $200 per session, Members $175.

Come to HMNS at Sugar Land for a three-day adventure in robotics and explore the basics of NXT Robotics Engineering. Build models with our LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT™ system and then use a computer to program your model to obey your every command and compete with other robots! This course is limited to 16 students in grades 4 - 7 with a minimum of 10 students per session.

Making it Work June 29 - July 2 and August 3 - 6

SATURDAY SCOUTS and Girl Scout Juniors and Brownies badges. Registration is now open!

HMNS, Hermann Park June 8-12 June 15-19 July 6-10 July 20-24 July 27-31

Fill your summer with badges and science fun in these weeklong classes for scouts to earn multiple Boy Scout merit badges, Webelos activity badges,

Visit www.hmns.org/summerscouts for listing of all of the Summer Scout Academy sessions for Girl Scout Juniors, Brownies, Webelos and Boy Scouts.

Investigate, interpret and analyze fossils like a paleontologist. Using the Cockrell Butterfly Center, learn how entomologists can build an ecosystem for people and butterflies. Become an oceanographer and explore the ocean floor. Discover how archeologists study our ancestors using artifacts. For more information, please contact (713) 6394727 or expedition@hmns.org.

Let HMNS handle all of the birthday party planning for you— the decorations, entertainment, craft project, party favors, and party coordinator.

Party packages begin at $350. Themes: Dinosaur, Ancient Egypt, Butterfly/Bugs, Astronomy, Wildlife and Shark. Deluxe packages also available: Partysaurus, Winged Wonderland, Galactic Gathering. Visit www.hmns.org/birthdays for complete party planning info, including optional add-ons.

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www.hmns.org/kids

SUMMER SCOUT ACADEMY 2015

HMNS at Sugar Land June 22-26 July 13-17 August 3-7

Life in Action June 22 - 25 and July 13 - 16

HMNS JUST FOR KIDS

Scouts@HMNS offers a wide array of badges and classes for all ages of Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts on Saturdays through the school year.

New classes are added on a regular basis to offer a variety of badge options.

The new Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife is now featured in some classes.

Go to www.hmns.org/scouts for all Scouts@HMNS information.

Create and develop your own computer game and special effects.

Become an astronomer and explore the cosmos using the latest planetary software and technology. Learn how to capture incredible images like a professional photographer with the Museum as your studio.

MARCH SPRING BREAK LEGO ROBOTICS HMNS at Sugar Land March 9 - 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (page 21)

TRAVEL NIGHT Shelling on Sanibel, Captiva and Coya Costa Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m. (page 17)

WORLD TREKKERS Greece Friday, March 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 23)

EDUCATOR LATE NIGHT “Leonardo’s Workshop” Friday, March 27, 5 - 11 p.m. (page 18)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Medicine without Evolution is like Engineering without Physics” Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. (page 17)

FAMILY EVENT HMNS at Sugar Land Super Pi Day 3.14.15 Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. - noon (page 11)

SPRING PLANT SALE Cockrell Butterfly Center 7th Floor of HMNS Parking Garage Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. - noon (page 16)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Great White Sharks, Tracking The Ocean’s Apex Predator” Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. (page 9)

FAMILY SPACE DAY AT THE GEORGE OBSERVATORY Saturday, March 14 (page 15)

WATER MOBILE EVENT HMNS at Sugar Land Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. - noon (page 11)

XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP General Public Registration Opens Monday, March 23 (page 20)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Samurai: Men of War in an Age of Peace” Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. (page 5)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

XPLORATIONS SUMMER CAMP Family Level Registration Opens Monday, March 2 (page 20)

www.hmns.org/museumcalendar

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EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY “Waterworks” Tuesday, March 3, 5 p.m. (page 18)

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASS “An Overview of the Energy Industry” Thursday, March 5, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (page 15) MUSEUM CLOSED FOR GALA Saturday, March 7

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Samurai: The Way of the Warrior Wildlife Photographer of the Year Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m.

HMNS MUSEUM STORE Get geek chic at the Museum Store—your one stop shop for the latest in smart style!

Look out for our Pi Day buttons, shirts and more as we celebrate the world’s tastiest number, or deck out your favorite cute kiddos with our Brainy Baby collection!

For tickets to all events, visit www

EXXONMOBIL TEACHER TUESDAY “Botany” Tuesday, April 7, 5 p.m. (page 18)

APRIL FILM SCREENING The Hadza: Last of The First Monday, April 13, 6:30 p.m. (page 17)

SHELL EDUCATORS’ PREVIEW China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui Tuesday, April 14, 4 - 7 p.m. (page 19)

EXHIBITION OPENS China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui Friday, April 10 (page 6)

FILM SCREENING Seven Samurai Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m. (page 5)

MEMBERS EVENT China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui Friday, April 10, 6 - 10 p.m. (page 6)

SCIENCE HACK DAY HOUSTON Saturday, April 11 - Sunday, April 12 (page 3)

HANDS-ON ADULT CLASS “Planting a Butterfly Garden” Saturday, April 18, 9 - 11 a.m. (page 16) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Richard III Rediscovered” Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. (page 17)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE AND EXHIBIT TOUR “2,500 Years of Egyptian History” Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. (page 7) HANDS-ON ADULT CLASS “Nature Photography Workshop” Thursday, April 30, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. (page 8) DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Quest to Save Wild Mustangs” Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m. (page 17)

WORLD TREKKERS

w.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.

See the world, skip the jet lag with World Trekkers! The perfect family outing, these events highlight diverse cultures from around the world through food, entertainment, arts and crafts and more.

This year, we’re heading off to Greece, China, Italy and Thailand— but no need to pack your bags.

2015 World Trekker Events Greece – March 13 China – June 26 Italy – August 7 Thailand – November 13 Tickets $10, Members $7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

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HOUSTON ORCHID SOCIETY’S ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (page 16)

HMNS CATALYSTS EVENT Cockrell Butterfly Center Thursday, April 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (page 2)

FAMILY EVENT HMNS at Sugar Land India Trekkers Saturday, April 25, 4 - 6 p.m. (page 11)

HMNS EVENTS CALENDAR

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Bushidō, The Way of the Samurai” Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 p.m. (page 5)

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE “Update in Egyptology with Three Preeminent Researchers” Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. (page 7)

POSTMASTER: Dated material enclosed.

Please deliver IMMEDIATELY!

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 6371

HMNS NEWS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.HMNS.ORG/MAGAZINE HMNS activities are supported in part by funds provided by the City of Houston.

HMNS News (ISSN 1556-7478) is published bimonthly by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030. Issues are sent every other month as a benefit to all Museum members. HMNS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science, to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects, and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.

www.hmns.org/magazine

HMNS NEWS • MARCH / APRIL 2015 • VOLUME 20, NUMBER 2

5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, Texas 77030

OPENS APRIL 10

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7